I am a Green Card holder. I applied for a re-entry permit in July 2025 and exited the US the same month. It’s been 9 months now; my re-entry permit application is still being processed. To keep my GC/US residency valid, do I need to enter the US within 1 year, or can I remain outside the US for more than 1 year and wait for the re-entry permit application to be processed?
Answers
Joana Fernandes
EB-5 Immigration attorneysA green card can generally be abandoned if you remain outside the U.S. for over 1 year without a valid re-entry permit, but a *pending* re-entry permit application does not by itself protect your residency. You are allowed to stay abroad while it is processing, but if you pass the 1-year mark without the approved permit in hand, re-entry could be scrutinized and carry the risk of abandonment findings at the border. Please speak to your immigration attorney.
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